KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Motor vehicle knowledge and skills - Must have acquired recognised qualifications in a motor vehicle discipline as well as having an in-depth knowledge of motor vehicle repair techniques and associated systems. Good Knowledge of EV and Hybrid technology.
• Vehicle dynamics – Must have a good understanding of vehicle dynamics and how that can affect performance, safety and operational suitability in specialist fleet applications.
• Technical knowledge and support - Technical understanding of all Fleet vehicles used by the MPS to ensure quality and that service levels, user’s duties, exact vehicle requirements (levels of equipment, performance, vehicle colour and look, fleet strength and vehicle dependency) as well as fluctuating and seasonal operational requirements are understood and met. Technical and management skills in the delivery of vehicle fleet projects, the provision of expert technical support to front line support services, suppliers / contractors and operational policing units to manage performance and costs. Provide vehicle dynamics acceptance criteria for first builds, prototypes and specialist conversions.
• Vehicle technology - New vehicle technology and ability to assess how this will impact the fleet.
• Legislation, regulations and policy - All statutory regulations and standards for vehicles, specialised equipment and unique vehicle conversions operated across the MPS Fleet and where these are enhanced from manufacturer or industry practice. All regulations and directives in relation to the safe operation, maintenance and conversions i.e. European Safety Signs Directive, European Communities (Motor Vehicle Type Approval) Regulations, Council Directive, Generic Electromagnetic Directive, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1988, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 etc.
• Technical Standards - Must have an in depth understanding, knowledge and ownership of all associated Fleet Technical Standards specifically for Car and Van Evaluation.
• Technical requirements / documentation - Authoring technical documentation, including strategic and technical requirements, detailed technical instruction to internal and external partners.
• Customer needs - The ability to identify and understand the needs of the business, as well as potential barriers, to ensure they are adequately accounted for. The ability to negotiate agreeable solutions to meet customer demands regarding vehicle platform.
• Analytical - Ability to interpret and analyse the impact of technical issues, provide recommendations to senior management for approval that support and influence decision making. Ability to identify and understand the needs of the business and highly adept at anticipating problems, utilising quantitative and qualitative data to drive solutions and manage demand. Able to analyse vehicle usage and telematics data to ascertain optimum technical solution.
• Relationship management / communications - Able to build positive stakeholder relationships with 3rd party suppliers. Ability to confidently articulate ideas and gain the confidence of both customers, team members and senior management whilst managing customer expectations. Excellent communicator, listener and influencer comfortable working autonomously and as a team player.
• Negotiation - Ability to negotiate agreeable solutions to meet user demand regarding vehicle platform and specialist emergency equipment, maintaining relevant personal technical knowledge and skills required to support frontline operations.
• Results orientated - Results orientated, taking ownership for setting / achieving high standards and targets and has a balanced view of cost and schedule adherence implications, while maintaining a clear view on business need.
• Decision making - Ability to make decisions and interact professionally with a diverse group of colleagues, suppliers, senior managers, and subject matter experts.
• Finance - Good financial awareness including competent use of MPS financial systems, producing reports and analysis to inform decision making.
• IT skills - Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and transport specialist IT systems.
• MPS knowledge - Organisational and governance structures across the MPS and how they interact with each other to deliver corporate priorities and objectives

EXPERIENCE

• Vehicle evaluation preparation – Experience in preparation of vehicles for evaluation / post evaluation assessment.
• Vehicle evaluation – Experience of conducting vehicle evaluations to prescribed test plans / standards.
• Operational experience - Experience within an operations environment that demonstrates management of large complex fleet, including managing budgets and cost control.
• Technical standards - Developing and implementation of Technical Standards, policies and service management processes in relation to the safe operation and management of the vehicle fleet
• Engineering validation – Developing and implementing design validation plans.
• Analysis and improvements - Analysing non-compliance trends and maintaining effective systems for the recording / reporting of compliance audit findings, root cause analysis and continual improvement actions. Performing reviews of controls and processes to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency and develop and monitor implementation of process improvements.
• Testing / QA - Responsibility for defining and ensuring QA processes are followed, and that adequate testing is carried out verifying implemented features are working and meeting the defined quality criteria.
• Technical change / projects - Using technical experience / expertise to effectively manage projects (including risk management) and developing and implementing problem solving initiatives.
• Relationship management - Relationship management, both internally and externally, to negotiate value for money, provide excellent service delivery and manage performance service levels.
• Continuous Improvement - Good practical application of continuous improvement tools and techniques within the automotive industry
• Certifications - Motor Vehicle Repair and Maintenance BTEQ/NVQ, NEBOSH – National Examination Board in Occupational Health & Safety/IOSH – Institute in Occupational Safety and Health, Emergency Life Support, OST – Police Staff Foundation Course
• Licenses - Full Clean Manual UK Car/Van License, Car/Van Racetrack License
  Required Languages
  English
  Reports To
  Lead Evaluation Engineer, Fleet Services
  Additional Information
  CVF Staff Final v2.pdf – 971KB Opens in a new window

ROLE DESCRIPTION

As a Vehicle Evaluation Engineer, you will be responsible for planning, conducting, and reporting on structured tests across a range of vehicles. The role involves following and developing robust test methodologies, analysing technical data, and producing clear evidence based reports to support decision making. You will work closely with internal / external stakeholders and manufacturers to ensure vehicles meet operational, safety, and legislative requirements. Key activities include evaluating vehicle braking, handling and performance, identifying potential risks, and recommending practical engineering solutions in line with industry best practice. The position requires strong problem solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, safety focused team environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Vehicle evaluation - Play a key role in the development of the fleet ensuring suitable vehicles are identified, evaluated and approved so that they meet the specialist and diverse requirements of the MPS. Specifies and tests MPS Fleet vehicles, from whole vehicle to modification programmes, assessing their impacts on the effectiveness and safety of the Fleet in support of Policing Operations. Be responsible for managing completion of;

• Evaluation of cars / vans against MPS standards
• Develop test plans for post conversion vehicle dynamics validation
• Conduct vehicle dynamics acceptance testing post conversion
• Vehicle & equipment selection – base vehicle technical requirements / market research
• Technical report writing
• Engineering assessments of vehicles against test standard using FMEA principles
• Evaluation of new automotive technologies
• Administration supporting test activity including quotations, invoicing and record keeping.
• Maintenance, calibration and readiness of data acquisition systems, measuring devices and supporting test equipment.
• National base vehicle evaluations – Play a key role in national base vehicle evaluation programmes, working with vehicle manufacturers, NPCC, Bluelight Commercial and other police forces.
• Risk management - Identify all risks and issues associated with vehicle evaluations and act as a point of contact for technical issues, risks and disputes.
• Technical standards - Developing, monitoring, and evaluating the MPS Technical Standards identifying improvements specifically relating to Car and Van Evaluation. Act as an MPS Fleet Services technical ‘Subject Matter Expert’. Take a future proofing approach.
• Vehicle designs – Evaluations of vehicle ergonomics, dynamics and system operation for use in their intended roles to ensure the fleet is fit for purpose.
• Market research – Collaborate with the Specification team to perform market research activities as an SME for vehicles. Ensuring any technology development and implementation applicable to police vehicles meets, or improves operational capability and improve safety.
• Improvements / transitions - Take initiative for monitoring and implementing continuous improvement activities across the business through employing process improvements, implementing new technologies or incorporating new requirements. Identifies changes in technology or legislation which will affect MPS vehicles. Promote the transition from an ICE fleet to EV by developing vehicle and evaluation solutions suitable for EVs. Planning, scheduling and logistics management – Work with vehicle manufacturers, internal and external stakeholders to ensure test vehicle availability and support services are in place as required.
• Effective relationships - Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, suppliers and end users while ensuring the highest level of operational service delivery to ensure efficiency, value for money and a positive user experience.